Make crossing Eagle Street safer

It has always been a challenge for seniors trying to cross Eagle Street to get to Laurel Street from Golden Years Nursing Home.

It’s becoming more difficult as traffic volume and speeds on Eagle Street increase. I hold my breath sometimes watching seniors with walkers, wheelchairs or scooters, hurry to make it across safely.

I’ve crossed there myself and know how unnerving it is. Golden Years is at the top of two hills. This makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic and it is equally as hard for drivers to see pedestrians.

Now that the new townhouses at Schlueter and Lawrence streets are near completion, and have access to Eagle Street via Schlueter Street, there will be even more traffic. This will make crossing Eagle Street even more difficult, not only for Golden Years, but also for the numerous people who use Russ Street to access Riverside Park. And for all the residents of Eagle Street and its various side streets, turning left onto Eagle Street at rush hour will be a nightmare.

I have thought for years that the region should look into installing traffic lights at Eagle and Laurel streets, or at the very least, a crosswalk with lights like the one at King Street and Waterloo Street. Hopefully, they will do it before someone is hurt.